The 72-run victory over Scotland in the semi-final of the ICC Trophy in Kuala Lumpur gives Bangladesh a place in the one-day World Cup finals to be held in England in 1999.
The achievement has been hailed as the country's greatest sporting triumph, but the festivities across the country were marred by tragedy. One man was stabbed to death in central Dhaka as he fought supporters trying to pour coloured water on him while a child was critically injured after falling off a roof when watching the festivities.
Hospital officials reported many injuries. Eighty people injured in the celebrations were treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital alone, a doctor said.
The success means each team member will receive a new car and a mobile phone from the government. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed sent a message of ``heartiest congratulations'' to the team.
Bangladesh will now meet Kenya in the final on Saturday while Scotland take on Ireland, the other defeated semi-finalists, today in the third-place match with the winners also gaining a World Cup ticket.
Once Bangladesh had reached 243 for seven in their 50 overs on the first day of this rain-interrupted match Scotland's prospects appeared bleak.
Yesterday the two left-arm spinners, Enamul Huq and Mohammed Rafique, steadily worked their way through the order to dismiss Scotland for 171.
Scotland had started well with Iain Philip stylishly stroking the first ball of the innings through the covers for four. But while Philip prospered, his opening partner Bryn Lockie found the going harder.
After facing 19 balls without scoring he punched the 20th firmly to Hasibuul Hussain at mid-on. Noting that Hussain had allowed the previous ball through his legs for a single, Lockie called for the run only to see the fielder pick up smoothly and throw down the stumps.
Philip was stumped by a similar margin, while Ian Bevan, promoted in the order as a token pinch-hitter, perished when he holed out to long on. Captain George Salmond showed more than a glimpse of his quality and Greig Williamson belatedly swung the bat to good effect.